Modular roof installation scaffolding system

ABSTRACT

A modular roof installation scaffolding system comprises a plurality of light-weight, generally rectilinear rails having a plurality of regularly-spaced apertures extending laterally therethrough. The rails are supportable upon a plurality of feet adapted for pinned connection to the rails utilizing the apertures. One or more jacks are slidably supportable on the rails and are adapted for pinned connection to the rails. The jacks are adapted to support one or more planks extending orthogonally to and across the rails for supporting one or more roofing installers thereon. A roof hook is attachable to each rail for supporting the scaffolding on the roof at the ridgeline of the roof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/596,320, filed Sep. 16, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to scaffolding systems and particularlyto a modular scaffolding system for use during installation of shinglesand related roofing components.

2. Description of the Related Art

Building roofs, particularly roofs on residential buildings, frequentlycomprise shingles attached to an underlayment or roof deck. The shinglesmust be installed one-by-one by workers supported on the roof deck. Theworkers typically install a first row of shingles along the lower edgeor eave of the roof deck, and progressively install rows of shingles upthe roof deck to the peak. The workers may use hammers and nails,electric nailers, pneumatic nailers, and the like, to attach theshingles to the roof deck. Thus, the workers typically have bundles ofshingles, hammers or nailers, a supply of fasteners, and, in the case ofelectric or pneumatic nailers, power supply lines, with them on the roofdeck during the installation process.

Depending upon the pitch of the roof, the roofers may utilize a supportstructure for themselves and their equipment to prevent workers andequipment from sliding toward the eaves and off the roof. If the roofhas a shallow pitch, a support structure may be unnecessary. However, ifthe roof has a steep pitch, particularly if the roof is several storiesabove ground, a support structure is typically used. This can includeladders laid along the roof and anchored by ropes extending over thepeak and down the opposite side, or jacks which are nailed to the roofdeck for supporting wood planks extending across the roof parallel tothe ridgeline. However, both of these systems are undesirable.

First, the use of ladders requires a readily available, sufficientlystrong anchor point for attaching the rope. As work progresses, and itis necessary to move a ladder, the worker must dismount the roof, untiethe rope, move the ladder, retie the rope, ascend the roof, and resumework. This is time consuming, and can be dangerous during the time thatthe worker is no longer supported by the ladder. Secondly, as theinstallation of the shingles progresses, the ladder must be moved toallow shingles to be installed beneath the ladder.

If a jack system is used, the jacks are typically spaced as far apart aspossible in order to minimize the number of jacks used. However, thisnecessitates the use of very long planks, which may bow excessively orbreak, and are heavy to move and install. Furthermore, the planks canmove while supported by the jacks, causing a worker or equipment to bethrown from the plank. Finally, the jacks must be removed and reset aswork progresses, and in order to install shingles at the jack location.Again, this can be time consuming, and dangerous during the times thatthe worker is no longer supported by the jack system.

There is a need for a scaffolding system which is lightweight, easilyassembled and disassembled, and enables roofing to progress withoutinterference from the scaffolding system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular roof installation scaffolding system for attachment to a roofhaving an inclined roof deck and a ridge comprises at least two railsspaced from each other and extending generally parallel to the roofdeck, at least two feet movably coupled to each rail for supporting therail a preselected distance away from the roof deck, at least one jackmovably coupled to each rail independent of the at least two feet, and amovable plank extending between and affixed to the jacks on adjacentrails. The feet can be moved from a first position to a second positionto maintain support for the rails on the roof deck while enablingroofing materials to be attached to the roof deck beneath thescaffolding system without having to move the jacks or the movableplank.

In another embodiment, the modular roof installation scaffolding systemcomprises a rigid framework comprising at least two rails with asupporting plank extending between them, the rigid framework beingsupported away from the roof deck by at least two movable feet coupledto each rail. The at least two movable feet can be relocated along eachrail between a first area of the roof deck having no installed roofingmaterials and a second area of the roof deck having installed roofingmaterials without disassembling the rigid framework. Roofing materialscan be installed on the roof deck beneath the scaffolding system withoutmoving the rigid framework.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular roof installation scaffoldingsystem according to the invention installed on a roof undergoing theinstallation of shingles.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the modular roof installation scaffoldingsystem illustrated in FIG. 1 comprising a rail, a first embodiment of ajack, a plank, a first embodiment of a foot, and a first embodiment of aridge hook.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a jack comprisinga portion of the modular roof installation scaffolding systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a jack comprisinga portion of the modular roof installation scaffolding systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a jack comprisinga portion of the modular roof installation scaffolding systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a jack comprisinga portion of the modular roof installation scaffolding systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a foot comprisinga portion of the modular roof installation scaffolding systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of the modular roof installationscaffolding system illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the jack installedto the rail and supporting a plank.

FIG. 9 is a second embodiment of the ridge hook illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a third embodiment of the ridge hook illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a fourth embodiment of the ridge hook illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of amodular roof installation scaffolding system according to the inventioncomprising a pair of planks providing full foot support for a roofer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a foot comprisinga portion of the modular roof installation scaffolding systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the modular roofinstallation scaffolding system illustrated in FIG. 1 comprising a linesupport pin for supporting pneumatic lines, electrical cords, and thelike, above the roof.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and to FIG. 1 in particular, a modularroof installation scaffolding system 10 is illustrated supported on aroof 12. FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of shingles 14 being installedover a roof deck 16 with fasteners 18 such as roofing nails, with thescaffolding system 10 used to support workers installing the shingles.The scaffolding system 10 comprises a pair of parallel rails 20extending between and orthogonal to the eaves and the ridgeline of theroof 12, at least two jacks 22 attached to the rails 20 for supportingat least one plank 24 extending between the rails 20 parallel to theridgeline, and a ridge hook 28 extending over the ridgeline andsupporting the rails 20 on the roof 12. A plurality of feet 26 areattached to and support the rails 20 away from the roof 12.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the rails 20 comprise elongated rail membershaving a generally rectilinear cross-section, terminating at one end ina rectilinear insert piece 40. It is anticipated that the cross-sectionof the rails 20 will be selected based upon the bending resistancerequired for the purposes described herein, and may vary from square, asillustrated in FIG. 2, to rectangular, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Therails 20 can comprise a suitable structural member, such as structuraltubing, having sufficient strength and durability for the purposesdescribed herein. Preferably, the rails 20 are fabricated of aluminum orsteel. The rails 20 define an interior rectilinear channelway 50extending longitudinally therethrough. The insert piece 40 is adaptedfor slidable registry with the channelway 50. A pair of apertures 42extend coaxially through the opposed top and bottom walls of the insertpiece 40. A pair of coaxial side apertures 44 can additionally oralternatively be provided in the side walls of the insert piece 40. Aplurality of regularly-spaced apertures 46 extend coaxially through theopposed top and bottom walls of the rail 20, and a plurality ofregularly-spaced coaxial side apertures 48 can additionally oralternatively be provided in the side walls of the rail 20.

The ridge hook 28 is an elongated, chevron-shaped member having agenerally rectilinear cross-section comprising a connecting leg 60rigidly attached to a retaining leg 62 defining an angle therebetweencorresponding to the ridgeline angle defined by the pitch of the roof.The connecting leg 60 comprises a suitable structural member, such asthe structural tubing used for the rails 20, having a plurality ofapertures 64 extending coaxially through the opposed top and bottomwalls of the connecting leg 60, and a plurality of coaxial sideapertures 48 additionally or alternatively provided in the side walls ofthe connecting leg 60. The connecting leg 60 is provided with aninterior rectilinear channelway 68 extending longitudinallytherethrough. The retaining leg 62 can be fabricated of the structuraltubing used for the rails 20 and the connecting leg 60, or a solidmember comprising a similar material adapted for rigid attachment to theconnecting leg 60, such as by welding. The insert piece 40 of the rail20 and the channelway 68 are adapted so that the insert piece 40 can beslidably inserted into the channelway 68. A suitable fastener, such as apin 140, can be inserted through the apertures 64, 42 or the apertures66, 44 to retain the ridge hook 28 to the rail 20. The pin 140 isillustrated in FIG. 2 as retained in place with a retaining clip 142.Other suitable fasteners can be utilized, such as bolts and the like.

It will be obvious that a plurality of rails 20 can be assembled byinserting the insert piece 40 of one rail 20 into the channelway 50 ofan adjoining rail 20 in order to extend the rail the full height of theroof 12.

Referring also to FIG. 3, the jack 22 comprises a rectilinear,channel-like sliding portion 70 and a somewhat L-shaped plank support72. The sliding portion 70 comprises a top wall 74 and two side walls76, 78 extending orthogonally thereto in parallel, spaced-apartjuxtaposition to define a channelway 80 extending therealong. A pair ofapertures 82 extends through the top wall 74 at a spacing adapted forcooperative registry of the apertures 82 with the apertures 46 in therail 20. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the side walls of 70,76 can be provided with apertures 90 extending therethrough forattachment of the jack 22 to the rails 20 by use of pins 140 extendingthrough the apertures 90, 48. In yet another embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, the jack 22 can be provided with pins at 92 extending from thetop wall 74 into the channelway 80 adapted for insertion through theapertures 46.

The channelway 80 is adapted so that the sliding portion 70 can bepositioned in slidable registry with the rail 20 and selectively movedalong the rail 20. Pins 140 can be inserted through the apertures 82 andthe apertures of 46 to secure the jack 22 to the rail 20. The planksupport 72 comprises a plank rest 84 extending orthogonally away fromthe top wall 74 and terminating in a flange 86 extending orthogonallyfrom the plank rest 84, parallel to the top wall 74. The jack 22 isfabricated of a suitable material, such as aluminum or steel, havingsufficient strength and durability for the purposes described herein.The length of the plank rest 84 is selected based upon the size of theplank 24 to be supported by the jack 22. The plank rest 84 is providedwith an aperture 88 extending therethrough.

The plank 24 is an elongated member having a generally rectilinearcross-section and comprising a pair of parallel, spaced - apart supportwalls 100, 102 and a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side walls 104, 106extending orthogonally therebetween. The support walls 100, 102 areprovided with a plurality of regularly-spaced apertures 108 extendingcoaxially therethrough. The side walls 104, 106 can be selectivelyprovided with a plurality of regularly-spaced apertures 110 extendingcoaxially therethrough. The apertures 108, 88 are adapted for receipt ofa pin 140 therethrough to secure the plank 24 to the plank support 72 ofthe jack 22. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the plank support72 can be provided with a pin 92 adapted for insertion into an apertureat 108 in the plank 24 when the plank 24 is assembled to the jack 22.

Two or more rails 20, two or more jacks 22, and one or more planks 24can be interconnected by inserting pins through apertures to form arigid framework. The framework can be configured to be as large or smallas necessary for the area of roofing to be completed. When necessary,the framework can be readily moved, for example from one side of a roofto another, without disassembly.

The foot 26 comprises a rail cradle 120 rigidly attached to a post 122,which is in turn rigidly attached to a support plate 124. The railcradle 120 is a somewhat U-shaped clevis-the like member having a bottomwall 126 and a pair of parallel, spaced - apart side walls 128, 130extending orthogonally therefrom. The side walls 130, 132 are providedwith apertures in coaxial juxtaposition adapted for insertion of a pin140 therethrough. The post 122 is illustrated as a solid cylindricalmember extending orthogonally from the bottom wall 126 away from theside walls 128, 130. The support plate 124 is a generally rectilinearplate orthogonal to the post 122 and adapted for contact with the roof12. The rail cradle 120 is adapted for slidable receipt of the rail 20therein and the apertures 134 are adapted for coaxial alignment with theside apertures of 48 of the rail 20 so that the foot 26 can be connectedto the rail 20 by insertion of a pin 140 through the apertures 132, 134and the apertures 48. With the rails 20 supported by the foot 26, therails 20 and the planks 24 will be spaced away from the roof 12, therebyproviding virtually uninterrupted access to the roof deck 16 forinstallation of the shingles 14. When a foot 26 is encountered duringshingling, the foot 26 can be readily moved by simply removing the pin140 and sliding the foot 26 along the rail 20 to a suitable position tobe reattached to the rail 20 with the pin 140 so that shingling cancontinue.

A plurality of rails 20 can be spaced along the roof 12 in order toprovide a scaffolding system that extends over the entire roof area. Onemeans of assembling the rails 20 and planks 24 into a unifiedscaffolding system is illustrated in FIG. 6. In this configuration, apair of rails 20 is placed in contact along their entire length andsecured together with a second embodiment of the jack 150 adapted forslidable registry with both rails 20. The jack 150 is similar to thejack 22 except that the jack 150 is approximately twice the width of thejack 22 to accommodate two rails 20. The jack 150 comprises a slidingportion 152 and a plank support 154 in the same general configuration asthe sliding portion 70 and the plank support 72. The a sliding portion152 comprises a top wall 156 and a pair of parallel, spaced-apart sidewalls 158, 160 depending therefrom to define a channelway 162. Pairs ofapertures 164 extend through the top wall 156 for coaxial registry withthe apertures 46 in the rails 20.

Extending orthogonally upwardly from the top wall 156 is a plank rest166 terminating in a flange 168. A pair of apertures 170 extends throughthe plank rest 166 for coaxial registry with the apertures 108 in theplank 24. It is anticipated that a first plank would be attached to theplank rest 166 by a first pin 140 extending through the plank aperture108 and one of the apertures 170, and a second plank would be attachedto the plank rest 166 by a second pin 140 extending through the plankaperture 108 and the other of the apertures 170 to provide a continuousplank having a joint corresponding to the jack 150. Similarly, asillustrated in FIG. 7, a foot 180 has the same general configuration asthe foot 26, except that the foot 180 is approximately twice the widthof the foot 26. Thus, a rail cradle 182 comprises a bottom wall 188 anda pair of spaced apart, parallel side walls 190, 192 having a pair ofapertures 194, 196 extending therethrough. A post 184 is rigidlyattached to the bottom wall 188 to extend away from the side walls 190,192. A support plate 186 is attached to the post 184 parallel to thebottom wall 188 and adapted for contact with the roof 12 to support thepaired rails 20 illustrated in FIG. 6. Pins 140 would extend through theapertures 194, 196 in the foot 180 and the apertures 48 in the rails 20.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the sliding portion 70 attached to therail 20 through a pair of pins 140. A plank 24 is attached to the planksupport 72 by a pin 140 extending through the apertures at 108 in theplank 24 and the aperture 88 in the plank support 72. The pin 140 issecured with the retainer 142.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of a ridge hook 200 comprising aconnecting leg 202 rigidly attached to a hook end 204. The connectingleg 202 is identical to the rail 20 and is adapted with at least twoapertures 208 so that the insert piece 40 of the rail 20 can engage theconnecting leg 202 and be retained therein by a pin 140. The hook end204 terminates in a bearing plate 206 adapted for contact with the roofdeck 16 or the shingles 14, as the case may be, and has a curvaturedefining an angle a between the longitudinal axis 210 of the rail 20 andthe plane of the bearing plate 206 corresponding to the ridgeline angledefined by the pitch of the roof.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiment of a ridge hook 220 comprising aconnecting leg 222 hingedly attached to a retaining leg 224 through ahinged connection 228. The retaining leg 224 has at least one adjustmentplate 226 rigidly attached thereto having a plurality of apertures 234extending along a circular arc having its center coaxial with the hingedconnection 228. The apertures 234 of the adjustment plate 226 areadapted for coaxial registry with apertures in the side walls of theconnecting leg 222 for receipt of a pin therethrough. The angle abetween the retaining leg 224 and the longitudinal axis 232 of the rail20 can be selected to correspond with the ridgeline angle defined by thepitch of the roof 12 by pivoting the retaining leg 224 relative to theconnecting leg 222 and securing the retaining leg 224 to the connectingleg 222 at the proper angle a by insertion of a pin 140 through theapertures in the adjustment plate 226 and the connecting leg 222. Theconnecting leg 222 is similar to the connecting leg 202, and is providedwith apertures 230 for attachment of the insert portion 40 to theconnecting leg 222 as previously described.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a ridge hook 240 comprising aconnecting leg 242 hingedly attached to a retaining leg 244 through ahinged connection 248. The retaining leg 244 is rigidly attached to aretaining plate 246 adapted to contact the opposed roof deck. Theunderside of the retaining plate 246 is provided with a plurality ofteeth 252 adapted to bite into the roof deck. Additionally, theretaining plate 246 can be provided with a plurality of apertures 254for attachment of the retaining plate 246 to the roof deck. Theconnecting leg 242 is similar to the connecting legs 202, 222, and isprovided with apertures 250 for attachment of the insert portion 40 tothe connecting leg 242 as previously described.

As an alternative to the pins 140 and retainers 142 described herein,one or more of the rails, the jacks, the planks, and the feet can beprovided with generally well-known spring- loaded pins to eliminate theneed for an adequate supply of pins and the inadvertent misplacement ofpins that can occur. In addition to the components described herein, thescaffolding system 10 can also comprise storage receptacles (not shown)for tools, supplies, materials, and the like, which are attached to andsupportable by the rails 20 and/or the planks 24. The storagereceptacles can be adapted with cradles, apertures, and the like, forsecuring the receptacles to the rails 20 and/or the planks 24 with pinsas generally previously described. Furthermore, the scaffolding system10 can be provided with clips or similar devices which can be insertedin the apertures in the rails 20 and/or the planks 24 to secureelectrical and pneumatic power lines to the scaffolding system 10 alongthe rails 20 and/or the planks 24. Alternatively, the rails 20 and/orthe planks 24 can be provided with integrated electrical and pneumaticpower lines extending through the interior channelways thereof toprovide sufficient electrical and pneumatic power in a self-contained,organized assembly. Quick-connect fittings would be utilized tointerconnect the pneumatic power lines as rails and planks are assembledinto the completed scaffolding system. Alternatively, the electrical andpneumatic power lines can be adapted for automatic interconnection uponconnecting adjacent rails 20 or planks 24.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention comprisingan alternate configuration of the elements previously described herein.Thus, like elements are identified with like numerals. The modular roofinstallation scaffolding system 30 is identical to the modular roofinstallation scaffolding system 10 except for the inclusion of a secondplank 24 attached directly to the rails 20 parallel to the first plank24 supported by the jack 22. The second plank 24 is attached to therails 20 through the previously described pins 140 and retainers 142.The second plank 24 provides additional support for a roofer, andfurther inhibits contact of the roofer's feet with the underlyinginstalled roofing materials. Additionally, when a plurality of rails 20are assembled into a framework extending across a roof 12, the secondplank 24 can be staggered relative to the first plank 24 to enhance therigidity and strength of the framework. The second plank 24 can bereadily moved along the rails 20 by removing the pins 140 and resettingthe pins at a new location.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a foot 270 comprising arail cradle 272 having a bottom wall 278 and a pair of side walls 280,282, a post 274, and a support plate 276, generally as previouslydescribed herein. However the support plate 276 has increased lateraldimensions, i.e. length and width, to reduce the pressure of the foot270 on the underlying installed roofing materials. This is particularlyimportant when installing readily deformable roofing materials such assteel roofing, copper roofing, and the like. The foot 270 can also beprovided with a cushion 288 attached to the underside of the supportplate 276 to further cushion the contact of the foot 270 with theunderlying roofing materials.

FIG. 14 illustrates a line support pin 260 supporting and managingsupply lines, such as pneumatic lines, electrical cords, vacuum hoses,water hoses, and the like. The line support pin 260 comprises a pinportion 262 rigidly attached to a cradle portion 264. The pin portion262 is adapted for slidable insertion into the apertures 46 and the sideapertures 48 in the rails 20. The pin portion 262 can be adapted forselective attachment of a retainer 142, particularly when the pinportion 262 is inserted into the side apertures 48. The cradle portion264 is a generally upwardly opening, C-shaped element adapted forinsertion and cradling of one or more supply lines, such as a pneumatichose 266. The upwardly opening, C-shaped cradle portion 264 enables aselected supply line to be inserted or removed without disturbing theother supply lines that may be supported by the line support pin 260. Itwill be evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art that otherconfigurations of the cradle portion 264 can be utilized, for example aconfiguration providing a friction engagement with the one or moresupply lines.

A plurality of line support pins 260 can be readily attached to therails 20 and the planks 24 at a suitable spacing to maintain the supplylines neatly along the rails 20 and the planks 24, thereby keeping thesupply lines organized and reducing the potential for injury due to aroofer tripping over a line. The line support pins 260 can be insertedlaterally into the rails 20 and the planks 24 to minimize the verticalprofile of the supply lines, thereby further reducing the potential fortripping.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection withcertain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that thisis by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variationand modification are possible within the scope of the forgoingdisclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of theinvention which is defined in the appended claims.

1. A modular roof installation scaffolding system for attachment to aroof having an inclined roof deck and a ridge, comprising: at least tworails spaced from each other and extending generally parallel to theroof deck; at least two feet movably coupled to each rail for supportingthe rail a preselected distance away from the roof deck; at least onejack movably coupled to each rail independent of the at least two feet;and a movable plank extending between and affixed to the jacks onadjacent rails; wherein the feet can be moved from a first position to asecond position to maintain support for the rails on the roof deck whileenabling roofing materials to be attached to the roof deck beneath thescaffolding system without having to move the jacks or the movableplank.
 2. A modular roof installation scaffolding system according toclaim 1 wherein the at least one jack can be selectively repositionedalong the rail to reposition the movable plank along the roof deck.
 3. Amodular roof installation scaffolding system according to claim 1wherein each rail comprises at least two identical longitudinallyinterconnecting rail members having a plurality of apertures extendinglaterally therethrough.
 4. A modular roof installation scaffoldingsystem according to claim 3 and further comprising fasteners extendingthrough the apertures to rigidly couple the at least two identicallongitudinally interconnecting rail members together.
 5. A modular roofinstallation scaffolding system according to claim 4 wherein thefasteners comprise pins.
 6. A modular roof installation scaffoldingsystem according to claim 1 wherein each rail has a plurality ofapertures extending laterally therethrough.
 7. A modular roofinstallation scaffolding system according to claim 6 and furthercomprising a plurality of apertures extending through the feet andfasteners extending through the apertures to couple the at least twofeet to each rail.
 8. A modular roof installation scaffolding systemaccording to claim 6 and further comprising a plurality of aperturesextending through the at least one jack and fasteners extending throughthe apertures to couple the at least one jack to each rail.
 9. A modularroof installation scaffolding system according to claim 8 and furthercomprising a plurality of apertures extending through the movable plankand fasteners extending through the apertures to couple the movableplank to the at least one jack.
 10. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 6 and further comprising at leastone line support pin attached to the rail for supporting at least oneline.
 11. A modular roof installation scaffolding system according toclaim 10 wherein the at least one line support pin is attached to therail by inserting the at least one line support pin through theapertures.
 12. A modular roof installation scaffolding system accordingto claim 10 wherein the at least one line comprises at least one of apneumatic supply line, an electric power cord, a vacuum line, and awater supply line.
 13. A modular roof installation scaffolding systemaccording to claim 1 and further comprising a cushion coupled to eachfoot for cushioning the contact of the foot with the roofing materials.14. A modular roof installation scaffolding system according to claim 1and further comprising at least one hook coupled to each rail andextending over the ridge to attach the scaffolding system to the roof.15. A modular roof installation scaffolding system according to claim 1and further comprising a plurality of apertures extending through the atleast one jack and the movable plank, and fasteners extending throughthe apertures to couple the movable plank to the at least one jack. 16.A modular roof installation scaffolding system according to claim 1wherein the rail comprises a pair of rails extending parallel to and inlateral registry with one another.
 17. A modular roof installationscaffolding system for attachment to a roof having an inclined roof deckand a ridge, comprising: a rigid framework comprising at least two railswith a supporting plank extending between them, the rigid frameworkbeing supported away from the roof deck by at least two movable feetcoupled to each rail; wherein the at least two movable feet can berelocated along each rail between a first area of the roof deck havingno installed roofing materials and a second area of the roof deck havinginstalled roofing materials without disassembling the rigid framework;whereby roofing materials can be installed on the roof deck beneath thescaffolding system without moving the rigid framework.
 18. A modularroof installation scaffolding system according to claim 17 wherein themovable plank can be selectively repositioned along the rail withoutmoving the at least two movable feet.
 19. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 17 wherein the at least two railsand the supporting plank are provided with a plurality of aperturesextending laterally therealong.
 20. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 19 wherein the at least two railsand the supporting plank are rigidly coupled together by fastenersextending through the apertures.
 21. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 20 wherein the fasteners comprisepins.
 22. A modular roof installation scaffolding system according toclaim 17 and further comprising at least one jack movably coupled toeach rail for supporting the plank.
 23. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 19 and further comprising at leastone line support pin attached to the rigid framework for supporting atleast one line.
 24. A modular roof installation scaffolding systemaccording to claim 23 wherein the at least one line support pin isattached to the rigid framework by inserting the at least one linesupport pin through the apertures.
 25. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 24 wherein the at least one linecomprises at least one of a pneumatic supply line, an electric powercord, a vacuum line, and a water supply line.
 26. A modular roofinstallation scaffolding system according to claim 17 and furthercomprising a cushion coupled to each foot for cushioning the contact ofthe foot with the roofing materials.
 27. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 17 and further comprising at leastone hook coupled to each rail and extending over the ridge to attach thescaffolding system to the roof.
 28. A modular roof installationscaffolding system according to claim 1 wherein the rigid frameworkcomprises a pair of rails extending parallel to and in lateral registrywith one another.